TOM CURD AND ABIGAIL LEATHERLAND'S HORRIFIC CRIME IN LISKEARD AND WATFORD

In March 2019, a devastating case of child murder and neglect unfolded in the small town of Liskeard, Cornwall, involving the tragic death of 22-month-old Eve Leatherland. The case drew widespread attention due to the brutality of the injuries inflicted and the subsequent failure of her caregivers to seek timely medical help.

Tom Curd, aged 31 and hailing from Watford, was found guilty of the murder of Eve Leatherland after a jury deliberated on the evidence presented at Truro Crown Court. The court heard that Curd had physically assaulted the young girl on multiple occasions, causing injuries that resembled those typically seen in severe car accidents. These injuries included a fractured skull, fractured ribs—some of which were re-broken during the healing process—and blunt force trauma to her abdomen, which resulted in internal organ damage such as a torn liver and bleeding in her bowel.

Paramedics who responded to the scene expressed concern that Eve had been dead for several hours by the time they arrived. Her body was found with signs of rigor mortis, indicating she had been deceased for a significant period. Despite efforts to save her, including airlifting her to Derriford Hospital, Eve was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The medical team at the hospital observed bruises, blood in her eye, and other injuries that raised suspicions of ongoing abuse.

Further investigations revealed that Eve had over 20 bruises and abrasions across her head and body, alongside the fractures and internal injuries. A skeletal survey and post-mortem examination uncovered a total of 12 fractures, including multiple re-fractures, and extensive internal damage. The medical experts testified that Eve’s injuries were consistent with repeated assaults, and her death was ultimately caused by an overdose of codeine, a powerful painkiller. The toxicology report confirmed that the concentration of codeine in her system was high enough to be fatal for an adult, and likely contributed to her death.

During the trial, the prosecution highlighted the disturbing neglect displayed by Curd and his partner, Abigail Leatherland, aged 26. It was revealed that while Eve was suffering and deteriorating, the couple spent their time engaged in mundane activities such as watching television, playing video games, and chatting on Facebook, rather than seeking medical assistance for the child. Prosecutor Sean Brunton emphasized the inconceivable nature of their inaction, especially given the small size of their home, which made it impossible for them not to notice Eve’s worsening condition.

Leatherland, who was also on trial, was convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child. The court heard that she had been left alone with Eve while she attended to her other children, and she claimed to have believed Eve’s illness was due to a viral infection. She described her bond with her daughter as close and expressed her love for her children. However, her defense was overshadowed by the evidence of her and Curd’s neglect and the failure to provide necessary medical care.

Judge Juliet May sentenced Tom Curd to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years, describing the case as particularly tragic because it involved the loss of a young life full of potential. Leatherland received a sentence of three and a half years in prison. The judge praised the police officers involved in the investigation and acknowledged the pain endured by Eve’s family.

During the trial, the court also heard from Eve’s biological father, Dean Bird, who traveled from Mansfield to witness the proceedings. He expressed intense anger and grief, stating he wanted to 'rip off the head' of Curd and Leatherland. Mr. Bird recounted how police arrived at his home late at night after Leatherland sent him on a false lead, and how he was devastated upon learning of Eve’s death. He described her as a happy, joyful girl who used to come into his bed every morning and was a daddy’s girl.

In conclusion, the case of Eve Leatherland’s death in Liskeard has left a lasting scar on the community. The court’s findings underscore the importance of vigilance and timely intervention in cases of child abuse and neglect. Both Curd and Leatherland will face sentencing, with the full extent of their culpability now established through the court’s verdicts.